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Fionn mac Cumhaill #4
FIONN: Stranger at Mullán Bán
Ireland: 1st century
Following several years of military success, Clann Morna are once again expanding their territory. In the north however, another powerful tribal confederation is also rising to the fore.
After five years of concealment, Fiacail mac Codhna and Demne must escape the growing threat of war by returning to the settlement of Ráth Bládhma. There, however, Liath Luachra’s rescue of a troubled messenger threatens to set their world aflame once more.
Meanwhile, a prospective ally reaches out to Bodhmhall from the western lands …
And a traitor stirs in the deeper shadows.
Following several years of military success, Clann Morna are once again expanding their territory. In the north however, another powerful tribal confederation is also rising to the fore.
After five years of concealment, Fiacail mac Codhna and Demne must escape the growing threat of war by returning to the settlement of Ráth Bládhma. There, however, Liath Luachra’s rescue of a troubled messenger threatens to set their world aflame once more.
Meanwhile, a prospective ally reaches out to Bodhmhall from the western lands …
And a traitor stirs in the deeper shadows.
223 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2022
9 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Brian O'Sullivan
31 books110 followersBrian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. He is now based in New Zealand with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).
Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.
The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.
The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 24, 2022
I've been waiting on this book for some time and it doesn't disappoint. O'Sullivan's cast of ancient Irish characters are as intriguing and charming as ever but the growing character of Demne/Fionn has added a fresh spin on the dynamics. It'll be interesting to see where that leads and how the character develops.
This book is set several years after the events in The Adversary. Having survived so many earlier trials, the settlement of Rath Bladhma is now thriving and its occupants have readjusted to a more peaceful existence. New threats, of course, loom just over the horizon. Key aspects that appealed in this book are the growing mystery of Demne/Fionn's past, the political intrigues of the tribes (something explored slightly in previous books but expanded on further here) and Liath Luachra's always fascinating internal introspection. Having grown into the peaceful existence of the previous six years, the woman warrior is now focused mostly on training the settlement's younger members (some very touching moments). Although very reluctant to return to her violent ways, she doesn't get much choice in the matter.
Other characters also seem to have grown. As a leader of many years, Bodhmhall now feels more confident and assertive than in the earlier books. Fiacail mac Codhna is just as mad and amusing as ever and some of the lesser characters are also further developed.
Although familiar with the Fenian Cycle stories, I must admit I'm still not sure where O'Sullivan is going with this tale. So far, he hasn't put a step out of place (everything adheres to the Fenian narratives) but he's still managed to make this centuries old mythology incredibly fresh and exciting.
This book is set several years after the events in The Adversary. Having survived so many earlier trials, the settlement of Rath Bladhma is now thriving and its occupants have readjusted to a more peaceful existence. New threats, of course, loom just over the horizon. Key aspects that appealed in this book are the growing mystery of Demne/Fionn's past, the political intrigues of the tribes (something explored slightly in previous books but expanded on further here) and Liath Luachra's always fascinating internal introspection. Having grown into the peaceful existence of the previous six years, the woman warrior is now focused mostly on training the settlement's younger members (some very touching moments). Although very reluctant to return to her violent ways, she doesn't get much choice in the matter.
Other characters also seem to have grown. As a leader of many years, Bodhmhall now feels more confident and assertive than in the earlier books. Fiacail mac Codhna is just as mad and amusing as ever and some of the lesser characters are also further developed.
Although familiar with the Fenian Cycle stories, I must admit I'm still not sure where O'Sullivan is going with this tale. So far, he hasn't put a step out of place (everything adheres to the Fenian narratives) but he's still managed to make this centuries old mythology incredibly fresh and exciting.
November 16, 2022
Just finished another 5 starrer in the series. Have to say i really like how Demne/Fionn is growing up and taking his place in what is really his story. This has got me wanting the 2nd half of the story Brian.
January 23, 2023
Always happy to get my hands on another of Brian O'Sullivan's books and this one doesn't disappoint in the slightest. It has all the elements I've come to love about Brian's work: the gripping realism; the perfect balance of quiet & tender moments, sudden & brutal violence, and the ominous sense of foreboding.
This new tale, though, has a more developed Demne. He is older now, can handle himself and has a certain swagger that feels spot on for a youth of his age and abilities. It adds something to the existing dynamic between Bodhmhall, Liath Luachra and Fiacail mac Codhna. All three are so well written and so contrasting that any interaction between them really pulls you in. Whether it be Liath Luachra showing her vulnerable side to Bodhmhall, or the former butting heads with the mischievous Fiacail, or all three of them pondering the various mysteries that threaten the future.
I want to again pay tribute to the realism. Due to how realistically Brian O'Sullivan writes each scene, it's so easy to feel almost the same tension as the characters would be feeling themselves. Whether it be lying in the mud with Liath Luachra, knowing that to be found would be to die. Or swimming away from javelins and angry men.
I've got eight books now in total, four Liath Luachra and four Fionn, and every one of them has been a highly enjoyable, atmospheric read. Knowing there are more to come is a pleasing thought!
This new tale, though, has a more developed Demne. He is older now, can handle himself and has a certain swagger that feels spot on for a youth of his age and abilities. It adds something to the existing dynamic between Bodhmhall, Liath Luachra and Fiacail mac Codhna. All three are so well written and so contrasting that any interaction between them really pulls you in. Whether it be Liath Luachra showing her vulnerable side to Bodhmhall, or the former butting heads with the mischievous Fiacail, or all three of them pondering the various mysteries that threaten the future.
I want to again pay tribute to the realism. Due to how realistically Brian O'Sullivan writes each scene, it's so easy to feel almost the same tension as the characters would be feeling themselves. Whether it be lying in the mud with Liath Luachra, knowing that to be found would be to die. Or swimming away from javelins and angry men.
I've got eight books now in total, four Liath Luachra and four Fionn, and every one of them has been a highly enjoyable, atmospheric read. Knowing there are more to come is a pleasing thought!
May 10, 2023
Stranger at Mullán Bán extends the Fionn series and takes us back into the deep and foreboding landscapes of ancient Ireland. We revisit new as well as familiar places and people, and we learn more of the backstory of the main protagonists like Bodhmhall and Liath Luachra (separate series). We see glimpses of the tormented and seething Liath Luachra slowly emerging as a human being capable of love and real emotions. These books are sprinkled with italicised Gaelic text – as a non-speaker, I love that I carry my own version in my head, which can be more bizarre than the useful pronunciation guide provided on the Irish Imbas website. Another great read.
March 11, 2023
Once again Brian O'Sullivan's tales of early Ireland engaged me from page one, and I was enthralled as the story unfolded and the characters were given life. His descriptions of their constantly testing wild environment and how they dealt with that, as well as the challenges of both opposing forces and allies, kept me turning the pages ... and wishing for more. This is another first class read.
September 2, 2024
The story picks up pace as Fionn grows up and starts to make a name for himself. The world of ancient Ireland and its people is vividly portrayed.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews